RCW 51.24.090

Compromise or settlement less than benefits.

(1) Any compromise or settlement of the third party cause of action by the injured worker or beneficiary which results in less than the entitlement under this title is void unless made with the written approval of the department or self-insurer: PROVIDED, That for the purposes of this chapter, "entitlement" means benefits and compensation paid and estimated by the department to be paid in the future.

(2) If a compromise or settlement is void because of subsection (1) of this section, the department or self-insurer may petition the court in which the action was filed for an order assigning the cause of action to the department or self-insurer. If an action has not been filed, the department or self-insurer may proceed as provided in chapter 7.24 RCW.